Playing in a recent regional all-star game, Indian Valley senior Braden Harris represented not just his school but also his community and family.
Harris was one of two graduating seniors from Plums Charter School’s Indian Valley Academy chosen to play in the Lions All-Star Football Game, which features top talent from across northern California. The other IVA student, Turner McIntyre, was not able to attend.
After pregame training at Chico State University, Harris played quarterback in the all-star game June 22 at Shasta College. He was one of 48 players invited to participate in what the Lions call “the most elite football game in the Northstate.”
Other Plumas County players also participated in the all-star game: Tanner Harris, Chester Junior-Senior High School, played offensive/defensive lineman for the Small School North team. Harris was joined on the Small School South team by fullback/linebacker Jacob Juarez, Portola Junior-Senior High School; linemen Hayden Tuccori and Konnor Bradley, both Portola High; and lineman Ryan Swan, Quincy Junior-Senior High School.
In addition to representing his school and community, Harris was playing to honor someone very dear to him: his oldest brother Dominic Potts, who passed away in 2018. Family friend Anna Lawson reports that Harris and Potts had been very close.
Harris’ backplate included the messages “RIP Dominic” and “fly high” to honor and remember Potts.
Even as he remembers the past, Harris is looking toward the future. Ryan Schramel, Indian Valley Academy site director and athletic director, reports that Harris plans to attend Butte College’s fire academy and pursue a job as a wildland firefighter. “We hope his time at IVA taught him the importance of navigating the world with a set of core values,” said Schramel.
In addition to excelling in sports, Harris is “kind and courteous to everyone,” said Schramel. He added that Plumas Charter School wishes this “affable young man” the best as he moves on to the next stage of adulthood.
